Additional interstate closures announced

With heavy accumulating snow totals and sustained high winds causing blizzard-like conditions and extensive drifting, additional interstate closures are planned for today, according to the state Department of Transportation:

• Interstate 90 (eastbound and westbound) will be closed from Mitchell (exit 332) to Vivian (exit 212) at 5 p.m. Central. Motorists are advised to plan accordingly and seek hotel accommodations at Murdo or Pierre. Limited truck parking is available in Vivian. This additional closure will effectively extend the I-90 closure to the west from Sioux Falls (exit 395) to Vivian (exit 212). Earlier, in coordination with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, eastbound I-90 closed from Sioux Falls (exit 402/Veterans Parkway) to the Minnesota state line.
• Interstate 29 (northbound and southbound) remains closed from the North Dakota state line to Sioux Falls (exit 84).

Secondary highways

No-travel advisories are in place on multiple secondary highways throughout South Dakota due to high winds, blowing snow, and low visibilities associated with this winter storm system.

Motorists should not use secondary highways to avoid interstate closures. Significantly reduced visibilities and blizzard-like conditions, along with extreme wind chills, will make travel very dangerous this evening and into Thursday.

National Weather Service forecast

Blizzard and winter storm warnings are in effect through Thursday morning. Moderate to heavy snowfall will occur for a period today and again overnight. North to northeasterly winds will gust between 35 and 45 mph. Blizzard or near-blizzard conditions are expected in many locations with difficult to impossible travel conditions. Steady to falling temperatures are expected today into Thursday, with sub-zero wind chills likely during the period of heaviest snow and strong winds. Dangers will increase for anyone who may become stranded outdoors.

For the latest on road and weather conditions, visit https://sd511.org or dial 511.